Extending Stellenbosch wine fest fun with 'Wine Week'

Simonsig Vineyards

Participating wine farms situated along the popular Stellenbosch American Express Wine Routes - home to more than 145 world-class wineries - will open their cellar doors for a week long feast of unique attractions leading up to the 8th annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival which takes place from 30 July - 2 August.

The preceding Stellenbosch Wine Week offers a range family-friendly activities including adventurous day trips, restaurant specials, exclusive winemaker dinners and rare vertical and varietal wine tastings, all blended into one big barrel of fun.

Thrill-seeking travellers can sign up for a full-day tour of the Winelands on a bicycle or set off on a scenic donkey hike and wine picnic on the Polkadraai Hills, while special visits to selected farms on the five different sub-routes - Greater Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Berg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Hills and Bottelary Hills - will provide insight into the diversity of the Stellenbosch Winelands.

On the menu

The programme also celebrates wine and food pairing with special dinners hosted at signature restaurants ranging from five-star to the more rustic restaurants. Newcomers on the route include Simonsig's Cuvée restaurant and the Delaire Graff Estate restaurant, both of which will be cooking up a special menu during Wine Week.

Renowned 96 Winery Road will host a twelve-course food and wine evening, while the newly transformed Waterkloof cellar will serve up a special organic food and wine pairing.

Alto Wine Estate will host a ‘Gentleman's Club' evening complete with steak, Port and cigars. Volkskombuis restaurant, in conjunction with Neethlingshof Estate, will add melodic charm to a three course feast of tripe and bredies when the legendary Ollie Viljoen and singer Niël Rademan bring out their instruments.

Blending and pruning courses

Wine enthusiasts looking for a more hands-on encounter can sign up for tutored vine pruning sessions at Simonsig Estate, or wine blending sessions at Lovane Boutique Wine Estate and Apprentice restaurant.

Various art exhibitions will also be showcased during the Stellenbosch Wine Week, including a spectacular art installation commemorating 350 years of winemaking in South Africa by world-renowned landscape artist, Strijdom van der Merwe, which will take centre stage at Simonsig Estate.

Where to stay

Various special accommodation packages in and around Stellenbosch, ranging from budget Winelands sleepovers to luxury rest and relaxation, are available to make the Stellenbosch Wine Week and Wine Festival more accessible to upcountry visitors this year.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival (hosted at the Paul Roos Centre from 30 July - 2 August) has become a tradition during the winter months in Stellenbosch and is a popular destination for both local and international visitors. The 2008 extravaganza attracted more than 12,500 visitors with another record attendance anticipated this year.

Ticket sales

Tickets for the Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2009 are available at Computicket, from R100 per person, to R300 for the Golden Pass. The exclusive Wine Connoisseurs Evening from 4pm - 9pm on Thursday, 30 July, costs R150 per person, and includes a welcome snack and bubbly on arrival.

For a complete Wine Week Programme and more information on the Stellenbosch Wine Festival; accommodation specials and packaged tours, contact 021 886 4310 or visit www.wineroute.co.za.

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